911 Communications Dispatcher (April 2027 Academy)

Ada County•Meridian, ID

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Ada County is hiring 911 Public Safety Communications Dispatchers for its April 2027 academy. Dispatchers are the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls. They assess callers’ needs, gather and record information, determine response priorities, and dispatch law enforcement, fire, and EMS resources. The role requires following established protocols, exercising sound judgment, and coordinating closely with field responders. Dispatchers may also provide callers with lifesaving instructions, such as CPR guidance, while responders are en route. Dispatchers work four 10-hour shifts per week on a fixed schedule that rotates every four months through a shift bid. Available shifts span day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours. The hiring process includes a screening questionnaire and video interview, a computerized CritiCall exam, a dispatcher sit-in observation, an oral board interview, and a selection and background investigation. The background investigation typically takes 8–10 weeks and includes a polygraph exam. The position is safety sensitive and subject to random drug testing. The work takes place in a fast-paced emergency communications center and involves long periods of sitting or standing, frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements, and occasional lifting up to 20 pounds. Ada County provides veteran’s preference except for jobs designated as key positions under Idaho Code.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain POST certification as an Emergency Communications Officer within one year of hire.
Ability to operate telephone and radio equipment.
Ability to work accurately under time pressure, during emergencies, and amid distractions.
Ability to listen, understand, manage, and provide emergency life aid to callers under immense stress.
Ability to react quickly and calmly while receiving and transmitting multiple emergency messages.
Clear and distinct verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to analyze emergency situations and quickly and objectively determine and take appropriate action.
Ability to relate well to the public under adverse and stressful conditions.
Ability to read city and county road and water maps to locate streets, addresses, hydrants, caller locations, and emergency locations.
Ability to record details accurately and legibly and provide information.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and operate a computer keyboard.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Valid driver’s license that must be obtained and maintained.
Pass all sections of the computer-based employment exam; tested skills include cross-referencing, prioritization, call summarization, and data entry.
Minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute and information retention, as assessed in the testing process.
Successful completion of the selection and background investigation, which includes a polygraph exam.

Responsibilities

Assess emergency and non-emergency calls to determine their nature and urgency.
Ask structured questions to gather accurate details, confirm locations, and identify potential safety risks.
Evaluate call urgency and assign an appropriate response level.
Coordinate and dispatch law enforcement, fire, and medical units using radio and computer-aided dispatch systems.
Communicate with field personnel, relay critical updates, and support responder safety.
Provide callers with calm, lifesaving pre-arrival instructions, including CPR and safety guidance.
Accurately document call details, actions, and unit activity in CAD and related systems.
Operate multi-line phone systems, radios, mapping tools, alarms, and text-to-911 platforms.
Remain composed and effective when assisting distressed, panicked, or confrontational callers.
Follow agency procedures, confidentiality standards, and applicable legal requirements.
Perform preventive or minor maintenance on certain dispatch-office equipment as needed.
Notify responsible parties when radios or alarms malfunction.
Survey streets to locate hydrants and identify changes needed to maintain current street maps.
Perform related functions as required.